The line between our online and offline lives is indistinguishable. In these tech-fueled times, our homes, societal well-being, economic prosperity and nation’s security are impacted by the internet.

Each October, Stay Safe Online focuses on different themes addressing specific challenges and identifying opportunities for behavioral change.

Under the overarching theme of “Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.” the 16th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is focused on encouraging accountability and proactive behavior in security best practices, digital privacy and drawing attention to careers in cybersecurity. NCSAM 2019 will address the following online safety messages and identify opportunities for behavioral change:

Own IT.

• Never Click and Tell: staying safe on social media
• Update Privacy Settings
• Keep Tabs on Your Apps: best practices for device applications

Secure IT.

• Shake Up Your Passphrase Protocol: create strong, unique passphrases
• Double Your Login Protection: turn on multi-factor authentication
• Shop Safe Online
• Play Hard to Get with Strangers: how to spot and avoid phish

Protect IT.

• If You Connect, You Must Protect: updating to the latest security software, web browser and operating systems
• Stay Protected While Connected: Wi-Fi safety
• If You Collect It, Protect It: keeping customer/consumer data and information safe

How to Get Involved

Everyone can make a difference during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Whether you have a minute, an hour, a day or all month long – check out ways you can participate and support NCSAM on social media, at home, at work or school and in the community.

On Social Media:

• Follow the National Cyber Security Alliance on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn to receive the latest online safety news and resources.
• Post online safety tips and reminders about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month on your social networks. Use the hashtag #BeCyberSmart and #CyberAware on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites.
• Download and share our sample social media posts leading up to and throughout the month on social media – download and share them all or customize them to your needs and interests!
• Blog about cybersecurity in October. Choose a topic that appeals to you or highlights one of the NCSAM calls to action.

At Home:

• Become an NCSAM Champion – sign up, take action and make a difference in online safety and security. It’s free and simple to register.
• Sign up for NCSA’s newsletter to receive regular online safety news and resources.
• Print NCSA resources and display them in areas where family members spend time online.
• Hold a family “tech talk.” Learn and discuss how each family member can protect their devices and information.
• Send an email to friends and family informing them that October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and encourage them to visit staysafeonline.org for tips and resources.

At Work and School

• Become an NCSAM Champion and show your organization’s official involvement in the month. It’s free and simple to sign up.
• Post the NCSAM logo on your company’s external or internal website. You can link to the NCSAM “About” page to provide more info.
• Send an email to colleagues, employees, customers and/or your community about NCSAM. Highlight one or more of the themes and/or our shared responsibility to secure the internet. You can use information from the NCSAM “About” page in the email.
• Hold a brown bag lunch for employees to discuss your company’s IT security and acceptable use policies.
• Host an employee training on cybersecurity. Check out ESET’s free cybersecurity awareness training as a great resource.
• Host a poster/video contest for students in which participants create informative online safety resources. Display the winning entries at school or share them with your community.

In the Community

• Display the NCSAM logo in your community center or religious institution.
• Include information about NCSAM in your community newsletter. Highlight Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT. and some of the key calls to action. You can use information from the NCSAM About page in the email.
• Print NCSA resources and display them in areas where community members spend time online
• Talk to community members about best security practices for email, social media and/or online transactions. Highlight the key issues included in this year’s theme.
• Host a cybersecurity event for community members to discuss smart computer practices and online security measures, leveraging resources provided by the National Cyber Security Alliance.

Source: StaySafeOnline.org